Thailand’s late-September floods made headlines when they reached Bangkok’s main airport. If you have seen the photos of luggage piled up there, it is natural to wonder whether it is worth flying in at all.
The short answer is yes. Suvarnabhumi never closed, and the trouble was mostly about people and bags rather than runways. Here is where things stand, and how to make your own arrival or departure a little calmer.
What happened at Suvarnabhumi
Heavy flooding across Bangkok in the last week of September made it hard for many ground-handling staff to reach work. Thai Airways, which handles baggage for its own flights and for some partner airlines, felt it most.
Suvarnabhumi stayed open, but from 26 September bags began to pile up and flights ran late. On 30 September, Thai Airways cancelled around 75 flights, leaving more than 1,000 transit passengers waiting to be rebooked.
Airport teams, and later military personnel, stepped in to help sort luggage, and food and water were handed out to passengers in the transit area.
Is Suvarnabhumi operating normally now?
Very nearly. Suvarnabhumi said on 2 October that the backlog of stranded passengers had been cleared, and Thai Airways returned to its full flight schedule on 3 October.
Baggage has been the slowest part to recover: on the evening of 3 October the airline reported 1,092 delayed bags still waiting and expected to return them by 4 October.
If your bag did not arrive with you, file a delayed-baggage report with Thai Airways so it can be traced and delivered. Airports of Thailand also runs a Lost and Found service at the airport. Keep your baggage tag and boarding pass handy when you get in touch.
Don Mueang, the other Bangkok airport
Bangkok’s other airport, Don Mueang, stayed open throughout as well. If your plans are flexible, it helps to remember you have two airports to choose from. Thai AirAsia has also resumed flights from Suvarnabhumi to Chiang Mai, Phuket and Krabi from 1 October, after moving its Bangkok domestic flights to Don Mueang over the summer.
Flying in or out over the next few weeks
A few small habits go a long way while things settle. Check your flight status with the airline before leaving for the airport. Keep anything you cannot do without, such as medication, chargers, documents and a change of clothes, in your cabin bag. It is also sensible to allow a little more time at both ends of the journey, as October can still bring heavy rain to Bangkok.
If you are arriving, filing your Thailand Digital Arrival Card in the three days before you land (it is free on the official site) takes one more job off your list.
Making a busy airport easier
Fast Track Thailand is built for the immigration part of your journey, so it will not change how quickly a bag appears. What it can do is take the friction out of the part you can influence: you are guided through a priority lane at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang and can get on with your trip, which is a real comfort after a long flight. If you are curious about the difference, our guide to fast track versus regular immigration at Suvarnabhumi explains it.
When you are heading home, a delay is far easier to bear somewhere comfortable. Once you are through security, our airport lounge page is definitely worth a look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was only Thai Airways affected?
The trouble centred on Thai Airways ground handling, which also looks after some partner airlines. The airport’s second baggage operator kept normal service, so experiences varied depending on who handled your flight.
How early should I arrive for a departure right now?
Many airlines suggest about three hours before an international flight, and a little more is reasonable while things settle. Check your own airline’s advice before you set off.
What if my flight was cancelled?
Contact the airline to be rebooked, and keep receipts for any extra costs, as these can matter if you make a claim later. Your travel insurer can also advise.
Bangkok is open, flights are running and the recovery is well under way. If you would like your next arrival to start smoothly, you can book Fast Track Thailand here.